Nobody knew Becir Kuduz.
There's a man in Faletici...
...he's a 106 years old, knows everything.
He says Becir Kuduz never existed.
Can you see what doesn't exist?
They say in Kiseljak 12 people...
...signed a statement saying...
...they saw him in the shop...
...of Mijo Klaric...
...buying bread.
Can you dream of something that doesn't exist?
That widow from llidza. Behka Sokolovic...
Says she dreamed of him 13 times.
Says he's got wings.
He hides them under his armpits.
Flies only when his soul aches.
And that scholar...
Fikret Selimbasic, from Zenica...
Always carries a case.
He signed...
...that he saw him on the Zenica - Sarajevo bus...
...and that Beco...
...whispered something in his ear...
...says people have forgotten how to cry.
If they lied to me, then I'm lying to you.
But I'd give anything to see him.
CAST
The little girl...
First time on film...
Directed by...
Beco!
You haven't changed.
You're out? It's over?
You remember Franjo, the butcher?
His son was in the army...
...near Subotica. Got killed in a truck.
His mother tried to hang herself.
Anything new in the village? - Nothing.
Only that Zulfo...
...kicked out his wife and five kids.
Than took the boys back. Her dad went baserk.
Why did he kick her out? - He won't say.
Just says she knows why.
Where did you get it?
Is it yours? - It's ours, Becir.
The seaside, that's where the money is. Brac...
Vis, Korcula. To hell with Kiseljak, Tarcin...
Here it is so dull, let's go away, pal.
You're right, he'll want to get even with you.
And the cost of living.
I've got this job. A sure thing. A beer joint.
Another floor to add. We'll get hard cash.
I'd rather try to get a regular job.
Go ahead, but it's not my cup of tea.
I want to be my own boss...
...in a firm, you're everybody's slave.
I work when i feel like it. Not when they tell me.
I'd rather go hungry than have a steady job.
Come on, Mijo, get moving!
What do you want? - A job.
Have ou got any education?
None. - What do you mean, none?
Four grades. - What can you do?
Everything.
Carpentry work, lay brick...
Everything from foundation to roof.
Ever had a regular job? - Yes, for three years.
Can you get a record?
So-and-so worked from such-and-such date...
From Foca Prison. How much time did you do?
Seven.
What on earth did you do?
A cop shot at me, I shot at him.
And?
He got demoted...
I got locked up. Give me that paper.
The wall should be here. Pour.
This will be the room for special services.
And here, I had in mind...
...a door, about a meter eighty.
And a curtain here. The entrance to that room.
The terrace, two meters. A canopy in the summer.
Here are the authorized blueprints.
We wont even look at them. - All right then.
Andja, my goddess! So it's started?
When we finish this, we get the hell out of here.
The money's down south. Ulcinj, Bar, Sutomore.
We'll take 3,4 workers. - Bullshit.
I'm planning a future for you. - Stop the car.
Get in baby. - Thanks a lot.
Where have you guys been?
What do you care where we were, what we drank...
You've sure been drinking.
But your friend seems sober enough.
He doesn't drink, but some of us do.
Is your dad coming back from Germany? - Not yet.
Aren't you scared up there on the pole? - I am.
Going to see your mother? - No.
I'm going to my aunt's. My daughter is with her.
Have a cigarette. - Thanks, I have mine.
Salem!
Safo! Come on, get in.
Uncle! - I'll be right back. Hello, everybody!
What's new, Salem? How's business?
Want one? - Thanks, I don't drink when I drive.
Got some beer? Give me a bottle.
Do you have, by any chance, an oil filter?
We'll find it.
Where's your cousin? - He went to the store.
He'll be back soon. Why? - Just asking.
Did he get used to things?
What are his plans?
Is he getting married? - Why don't you ask him?
He's your cousin, for God's sake!
Why don't you tell her to look after that kid?
Why do you let her hitchhike?
That's my point. He's disgraced, so is she.
Try telling him that.
If she comes on her own, fine.
Good afternoon. Got some soap?
Not that one.
The one behind the box. Two or three.
For washing laundry?
There is a man waiting for you...
There's Becir. - You need something?
Boro's helping me. How much?
360.
Thank you, goodbye.
What do you want? - A chewing gum.
What on earth are you doing?
I don't like it crooked. It must be straight.
That girl, the other night...
What?
And her brother. The one who drives a Skoda...
Who?
I mean...
What are you getting at Salem? - Nothing.
Are you planning on ever getting married?
You know I've got a kid.
I know, you've got a daughter.
You don't mind?
Why should I? I don't mind.
It's a good thing it's a girl.
You know I don't dress the Muslim way.
Yes, I noticed.
You know I smoke. - It's no good for you.
But God willing, you'll quit.
I won't quit.
Man proposes, and God disposes. We'll see.
People been telling you about me?
Yes.
And what do you say?
Nothing.
My bed won't be too hard for you?
We'll soften it up.
We'll see about that later.
You know I won't get married twice?
No, I don't. - Think about it.
I thought it over. Now you think it over.
As for the kid, you know our ways.
Let her stay at your mother's for a few weeks.
Come on folks, it's time to go.
She's got a nice daughter.
What's that up there?
Beat it! - What is it? - Beat it!
You too.
Your papers.
It's a wedding, _emso. - What? - Awedding!
And who's the bridegroom?
Let's see the long beam.
The parking lights!
The left one. The right one.
Let us go. Can't you see it's a wedding?
Shut up! - Come on!
Shut up, or I'll unload you all!
Come on, the left one!
Go! - He'll take my driving license. - Fuck him!
Great, Jasna!
Double.
Stop the music!
- Buddy, let's drink.
Stop the goddamn music!
Freeze!
Everybody, attention!
Attention!
At ease.
Newlyweds, attention!
_emso, what's the matter with you?
Don't Beco! - _emso, have you gone crazy?
I'll get you, you fucking convict!
Becir!
Hold it! - Let him go! - Are you mad?
What happened? - A flat tire.
Need help? - No, it's all right.
This is my cousin.
Are you the one?...
Becir.
Goro. Alija Goro.
Count it now, nice and easy.
41.
42, 43, 44.
You know what day it is today?
I don't mind.
But I'd rather not go.
You can bring her tomorrow if you want.
45...
46, 47...
48.
A bit to the left...
Say cheese.
Thank you.
What will all this lead to? Only Heaven knows.
Anyway, I'm sick and tired of them. - Come on.
They're smart people. It's all been worked out.
I'm sick and tired of them too.
Let me see. - Give me the remote control.
Rudo, do me a favor. Show us the slides.
Kasema... - Get it, Rudo. - What?
The slides. - Where are they? - There in the room.
Cheers! Have a drink too.
You always make scenes when my folks come.
I've seen those slides a hundred times.
He's a stubborn one.
Rudo, did you find it? - Coming!
Amela, come over here.
We're going to watch those slides again, mom?
Start now.
Oh, there's me. - Get out of the way!
What's that? - All of us laying the foundation.
Look how young Badema and I were.
Where were you then? - In the stomach.
Is that really you, Badema? - Yes.
In Trogir. - Look how beautiful she is.
There's our father.
That's my favorite picture.
And that's Badema in Germany.
Rudo, let's dance.
Let's go, neighbor!
Great! Bravo, Amela!
That's a girl.
Tell me about Germany.
There's nothing to tell.
People work, live. You saw the pictures.
I mean, what do they have? Are there any mosques?
Not even one.
But they've got houses a hundred floors high.
And a train that goes underground.
When you get in... what do you call it...
...ronenhaus - You can't get out.
Let's go to sleep. - What were you doing there?
Nothing. I was there with my parents.
Helped around the house.
Stood in for some woman, six days. Washed dishes.
Where? - In a restaurant.
You saw the trailer.
Why? - Just asking.
1, 2, 3...
4, 5,6...
Mommy!
Put it on this.
All right. Some more lime.
Enough?
We'll finish school. I'll get us books.
You can pass two grades at a time in Kiseljak.
You finish it. I won't.
You can bribe them. But I'd rather get us books.
What if I bribe them and they still fail me?
Who will you get the books for? - You and me.
Yeah, sure.
You want me to go back to school at my age?
To hell with school and stuff like that!
Where's the child?
Badema!
Amela, hold it!
Put me down here.
Take this off.
Who was that? - How should I know?
Go and ask him.
You won't even let me talk to people.
I didn't say that. What's wrong?
I'm bored to death in this shithole.
All you do is work.
Come on, carry me.
Drop it in here.
Look how it bounces.
Why won't we buy a trailer? - What trailer?
One that you can use as a bar.
Like the one I used to work. You saw the slides.
You know how many papers you need for that?
We'll get them. - They're expensive.
Eenie, meenie, mini, mo...
Catch a tiger by the toe.
If he hollers, let him go.
Eenie, meenie, mini, mo...
Hey, Amela, look at mommy!
It was great in Dalmatia, it sure was!
You do all the grades in one go. - No, you don't.
It's one by one. - How do you know?
Milka told me.
Well, we didn't study.
Andja will fix it. Those guys hang out in her bar.
You give two milion for a grade, and you pass.
I don't like it. - Can you fix other exams this...
What exams? - For a waitress.
We could get a trailer, sell hamburgers...
We'll see. I haven't made up my mind yet.
We can begin.
Is Andja around? - Yes.
How old are you? - 37, 38 soon.
I suggest the global approach. OK? - OK.
We'll do the fifth and sixth grade together.
Is that all right with you? - Yes.
Do you want to start?
Comrade Principal, you have a meeting at three...
...sorry for barging in. About the waiters' exam...
Not here. There's a vocational school in Makarska.
Milka told me I could come to you.
Can I make a call? It's urgent.
Come with me.
Kasema, is that you?
What's new?
We're going to do the fifith and the sixth.
How's Rudo? When are you coming over?
I think on Sunday.
Nothing, he's all right. He's working.
I'm really glad...
Let's see about Serbo-Croat. Do you ever read?
Not much. No time.
Do you know any writer? - Foreign, Yugoslav? - Any.
Any.
All right. What about Math?
No problem. I carry a tape measure everywhere. -
Gym, Music, Art:
Are you healthy? - Yes, thank God.
No problems? - None.
What about History?
You know the Partisan battles? - Yes, 7 of them.
He's good at history.
How's your Geography? - So - So.
List...
The capitals.
I've been in Foca...
That's not a capital, you fool. - For me it was.
What about the other cities?
I worked in Titograd, for a firm from Kotor.
I was in Belgrade once...
On my way to the army. - Good.
He knows Geography too. What's the time?
We'll be late for the meeting.
Let's have a break.
You passed you can go.
Close your eyes. Don't be afraid.
Did it hurt? - No. - Didn't I tell you?
Now let's do the other one.
There you go.
It's cooler now. - Is it?
Salko.
What's the matter with him?
I don't know what you two are up to.
Come on, baby, get up. - Don't move, Amela.
Finish the job, Salko, then we'll leave.
I'm through. - How much? - It's all right, man.
Daddy, look.
Guess what's prettier than a little girl.
Two little girls. - Give it to me.
What are you thinking about?
Nothing.
Do you miss anything?
Tell me if you do.
You've got a child, you can work...
...around the house.
We can go somewhere if you want to.
I'd like to work.
Women knit stockings and socks.
The co-op give them wool.
They knit at home. 100,000 a pair.
You hand them over, get some more wool...
It's all right by me, we can talk about it.
Don't be like that.
I hate to see you sad.
Grandma, has the fire gone out? - I'm coming.
Where are my jeans? - You have worn them enough.
Let me go with you. - Next time, sugar.
What did you do with my jeans?
It's what they did to you.
Uncle, will it break down? - No, it won't.
Oh, Becir, come in! - What's new?
How are you? - Hi. Come, Amela dear.
What are you doing? - Working. - Where's Badema?
At Semka's. - We'll go and pick her up.
Wait, I'll give you a lift.
Uncle, I'm thirsty. - You'll get a juice.
Can you wait another five minutes?
Until I count to what?
Until you count... To ten.
But don't start just yet. When I tell you.
1, 2... - That's a girl.
Can I start now? - One more minute.
Daddy, can I start now?
Can she start, Safet? - Just a little more.
A little more, a little more...
Now!
1, 2, 3, 4...
5, 6...
17, 18...
22, 23, 24...
27, 28...
20... 25...
26, 27
Are we there?
We'll stay here.
Ajuice and a beer. What will you have? - Nothing.
My sister's been around? Not since she got...
Why? - I told you we'd miss her.
Cheers. - Shall we go?
Just let me pay.
Has she been here?
I don't give a shit for either you or her.
230. - You sure are sweet.
Badema!
Why are you waking me up?
Cover the kid.
And your mother? - She doesn't approve.
I wouldn't recommend it either.
What's going on? - This is Badema...
...this is her brother and her husband.
The girl wants a job. - She's a missis. - Yes.
Got any experience?
Yes. I worked for 7 months in Germany.
Got no papers?
Oh, come on, she's my cousin.
I can't pay much. You won't be registered.
You work 15 days, two days off.
You get room and board here.
Sleep here? For 15 days?
She can't walk home every night at 1 or 2.
Let's go!
I've got enough trouble as it is.
Hold it! - I won't sit at home!
Well, study medicine in Sarajevo. - You bastard!
Or architecture. You draw houses, Becir builds...
Go to hell! - You did, a long time ago.
Take her home and kick the shit out of her.
Shut up.
At Vojkovici I'll unload both of you.
Quit jerking that jukebox around!
Refko!
What four days? Monday to Thursday?
Friday to Monday, she's home. Show her the room.
You want to take a look too? - What for?
No need to. When do I start? - Right now.
You can sleep here too. The room is for two.
This one will fit you.
We've got great customers.
Just don't be wild. You'll get used to the job.
You don't need that. Take it off, it's hot.
Have you got a shorter skirt?
I've gor a leather mini-skirt. Red. - Great.
You came just on time for the fair.
There'll be a crowd, and lots of work.
You look fine now. How about a beer?
Uncle Salem! - Come to Uncle Salem.
What's that? - Earrings. - Who got them for you?
Daddy. - May you wear them for a long time.
Hey, Goro! You old son-of-a-bitch!
Is it free upstairs? - Go right ahead.
Hey, honey! What are you doing here?
Haven't we met? - I don't think so.
Didn't you take those exams?
Yes, an I passed. Why?
Oh, yes.
I phoned my sister in Sarajevo.
So? How did it go?
How did what go?
Well, did anyting happen?
I don't understand. - I mean...
Leave me alone, I'm working.
Tell daddy how old you are.
I'll be this much, and I'm this old.
If somebody asks you, you tell them this.
Why? - All kids do. That on the train.
How long will I be that old?
Till you get off the train.
The kid? - She isn't 3 yet. - I'm not asking you.
How old are you, sweetie? Three?
I wonder how long you're going to be three.
Till I get off the train.
The other way around.
This one here, that one there.
That's right. The state flag in the middle...
The Party flag right, the Bosnian left.
No! That's your right, you idiot!
The other way around, you jerk! To your right!
What now?
Stick it wherever you want!
Look up there. - What are they doing?
Putting up flags. It's a holiday.
Is that when you don't work? - Yes.
Do they like that? - Everybody likes that.
There's your mom. - Mommy, we're here!
No pushing, please!
This is no self-service!
Go ahead, take everything, just take it!
This will be useful.
It will help us run our bar.
Watch out hoe you behave. Who was that?
Goro. From the school. He's helping out.
Not him. The one hugging you and Andja.
Some drunk fool. How should I know?
He'll get mad. Let's go.
I'd make more as a taxidriver than at school.
See you, thank you.
Refko!
Well done Andja!
Thank you.
What did you like best today?
When that lady fell.
Maybe her butt still hurts. - Maybe.
Who will go to sleep first? - You! - You.
You. You.
If you won't sleep, then I'll count.
One, two, three, four...
I love you more and more.
Get out.
Does he suspect anything? - Fuck him!
I don't want him on my back.
You'd better worry about your wife.
All men like a modern young girl...
To take out each night for a whirl.
How long? Three, four days?
At least a week.
You can go back if you want.
By bus. We'll need about 10, 11 days.
Less, I hope. Don't leave the kid around here.
Take her with you.
There are other kids. She'll be all right.
What about mommy? - Here's for mommy.
Let her eat up-stairs, not here.
Hello, Makarska! Sarajevo calling.
Can I speak to Dragicevic?
Tonce, yes.
Oh, you're real quick.
It's Goro.
From Sarajevo.
I wanted to ask you something.
About that course for waiters.
What about that drink?
Will you check it? It's for a cousin of mine.
Please do. You'd do me a big favor.
She's working illegally.
Thanks. Bye.
Well' is it okay?
It's fixed.
Semso Bonaparte.
Salem! Where's the kid and my wife? - No idea.
I haven't seen them today.
Refko! Where's Badema? - She left a minute ago.
Is the kid with her? - No the kid's here.
What are you doing? - I'm digging.
Are you cold? - No.
Where's mommy? - She'll be right back.
I'm sleepy. - Dad'll put you to bed.
Will you sleep with me? - Yes, don't be afraid.
What is it now? - Nothing.
What's the matter?
What do I need all this for?
What the hell do you want?
You got your waitress diploma by mail!
Don't you dare yell at me!
I'm not yelling, goddamn you!
You wanted to finish elementatary school! You did!
You got a qualification. What else do you want?
What good is school if I have to rot here?
Not even a doctorate would help me here!
I pulled strings to get you a work permit!
Like hell you did.
Where have you been?
Out on the green.
What have you seen? Golf played with a bean.
Who were the players? The king and the queen.
You're out of your mind.
You've got to understand life's a serious...
Life isn't all fun. You have responsibilities.
Mommy, where were you? I counted all night.
Honey, I went to see aunt Kasema in Sarajevo.
Then I went to Visegrad with uncle Rudo.
I worked ther when you were a baby.
I went to get the money they owed me.
Rudo helped me get it.
Then back to Sarajevo for my passport.
So we can go to Germany.
Now sleep, mommy's going to work.
What's this? Where did you get it?
I asked you a question!
None of your business! It's mine!
No more working in the bar!
I'll do what I please!
Hold it! - Leave me alone!
Touch my wife again and you're a dead man!
Get the kid, and straight home!
Did you see that?
That fucking hillbilly ruined my sweater.
You're a real busybody.
Leave it, I'll do it.
It's my job.
Not anymore.
What did you say?
You heard me.
Andja told me to pay you off.
You got fired and you get 12 million.
Pay me off? Where is she?
Fuck her 12 million!
You'd better watch it!
Andja!
What?
What did I do wrong? Tell me.
No whore will threaten me!
She and that goon of hers want to wreck my place!
Fuck him! And you too!
I'll kill you!
You leave me alone!
Pour me a drink.
Don't spill!
Get the brandy.
Mind if I tell you something? - What?
Oh, you know, just things.
Don't tell me anything.
Women are not that important in life.
You undrestand? Not that important.
Have you filed?
For your divorce? Yes, I have.
And?
I don't have to come? - No.
They can divorce me without me being there? - Yes.
What shall I do afterwards?
Damn it all!
Go to hell! What else do you want?
You wanted me to get him off yor back! Fuck you!
You just did. Could you do it again?
I doubt it.
Did you find me a place to live? - Yes.
I'll need 15, 20 days to get something better.
Then I'll go to my sister's in Sarajevo.
Will you really marry me as soon as you fix this?
Sure. But watch it, I'm not Beco.
No fooling around! You may have a golden cunt...
I have, haven't I?
Marrige is no thing to fool around with.
Why don't you give him a child...
...and a brother or sister to your daughter?
A child makes all the difference. - No way.
It's him, I'm sure. You haven't seen me.
Your cigarettes and lighter!
Don't be a fool.
Put them away.
Hello, come in. - Where can I put her?
Over here.
Where's that bitch? - She's here, sit down.
Take her with you, do what you like...
...but don't make a scene in my house.
Badema!
I'll shove them up your nose! - Sit down!
Well, how about coffee?
Something to eat? Are you hungry? - Sit down.
Pack your things. - I got fired beacuse of you.
You won't fight here.
Speak your mind, both of you and goodbye.
Let her say if she misses anything.
Is she hungry? Thirsty? - I have everything.
I just don't want to live with you any more.
You're nice, I'm no good.
As long as you're my wife, you'll live with me.
We just don't belong together.
Hiding in other people's houses!
This is her sister's house. Not anybody's.
Have you filed for divorce?
Of course not. She doesn't know what she's doing.
Then go home with your husband.
Make peace or get a divorce. - Don't force her!
Let's go. - No!
I've got a heavy hand you know! Get up!
Hold it! You'll wake up the neighbors.
Poor me! - Is the kid staying? - No.
Where are we? - In Sarajevo. We are going home.
I don't want any of your family here again!
Troublemakers!
You've met all kinds of wordly people.
I'no good because I can't talk nice.
I can't help it.
In the spring, God willing, we'll buy our own.
You won't be anybody's servant.
You've really gotten under my skin.
You gave me this child.
I love both of you. With all my heart.
I feel like it's going to burst.
If something happened to either one of you...
God forbid... - Stop it, please.
I just know you're good.
That's why I've got to watch over you.
We're meant for each other.
Amela, get up!
Get up, quick! - Why are you waking me? - Quick!
Why are you waking me?
Quick!
Shoot, fire, my little pistol.
Before the cops grab you.
Beco.
My friend!
Get the hell rid of her.
Yeah, sure. Go to sleep.
That rotten whore!
Take this.
She'll be the death of you!
What day is it today?
That's for... Next Tuesday.
Stay out of trouble, for Heaven's sake.
Why did I have to stop the car for her...
...that two bit slut! - Shut up.
That won't change the fact she's moved out.
Where to?
Goro put her in a trailer.
What about the kid?
The kid too.
In this weather!
My dear wife and daughter Amela.
Tell your mother to come back because you two...
...can't live decent without me...
...just like I can't live like a man without you.
Tell her not to listen to bad people and maniacs...
...come back to our home...
...so we can live like human beings...
...without people laughing behind our backs.
Who is it? - Open up!
What do you want? - Open or I'll break it down!
Daddy!
Leave my kid alone!
Get out of there!
He appeared where we didn't expect him.
Where? - In Kresevo.
Maybe it wasn't him. - No, it was my grandma.
Like hell they'll catch him! Never!
If anybody catches him, that one will.
He wants to get even with him.
Uncle.
Why don't you play with the children?
You want me to build you a snowman?
Yes?
Good morning.
I'm Becir, the one who killed his wife.
I haven't eaten in 3 days. Report me when I leave.
Of all places, you come here. You want some mush?
Whatever.
Some smoked meat? - Yes.
Where do you keep the ammunition?
Give me that remote control.
There's nothing on Chanel 2.
They say there are 7 people on his list.
That lady judge that divorced him...
Ran off to Belgrade.
I don't know about those seven.
But I don't give a damn for Goro.
You are going with us to the station.
Come on. - Lf I have to.
Is it true he has a list? - What list?
Of his targets: Me, _emso, the judge...
Of course not. People make things up.
I'm not afraid for myself but for my kids.
I don't hate you.
It's just that I'm too lively.
I can't stay put, Beco.
I say to myself, stop, Badema.
But my legs won't listen.
I can't help being the way I am.
I don't blame you for killing me.
Get up!
Don't, Beco.
Strip.
Quick!
That too. Everything.
Everything.
Don't make me do that. - Everything!
That too.
Not my underpants, for the sake of that kid!
Get lost.
Somebody finally got him too.
Eh, dear old Beco.
If somebody told me Beco's dead...
I wouldn't believe him.
They beat me black and blue.
But wait, my time will come.
My father's asking how you're doing.
How am I doing? My head is splitting...
...two ribs broken, I can't walk, my kidneys...
It's too much to remember I'll just say you're...
All right.
Where's the kid? - At Safet's. - I must see her.
Whatever for? - I have to.
What do people say?
They say you should have killed him, not her.
You'll out a bit the legs and shoulders.
Anything else? - I'd like some pie.
I'll make some.
Salem's father hit me with his remote control.
Do your shoes jump?
No. Do yours? - Yes.
It'll fit you now. Wait for the pie.
We'll get him, sooner or later!
You scared me, I thought it was...
Too bad you didn't kick her out on time.
I wish I hadn't done anything.
They're so mad they beat whoever they get hold of.
How's the kid? Have you seen her lately? - No.
Hand yourself over to the Sarajevo police.
They beat you there too, but less. - Shut up.
I told you - Sooner or later.
The District Court in Sarajevo...
...in the case against the accused Becir Kuduz...
The verdict of this Court is:
The accused Becir Kuduz is guilty.
Daddy, I lost one earring.
Daddy will buy you another one.
Please, come down, please.
Let's hear you count.
1, 2, 3, 4...
15, 22, 23...
You're lying.
Man cannot fight a force he doesn't know or see.
Keco Junuz, Foca Prison, June 11, 1988
Keco Junuz is the man this film is about.
On February 17, 2001, when he's released...
He'll be 58 years old.